Temp Sensor help
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Montreal QC
Temp Sensor help
Hey all,
The po of my truck installed an aftermarket temp gauge that runs directly to the coolant temp sensor. The temp sensor is therefor not giving any information to the truck other than to this temp gauge. I can see that the old temp sensor plug is not connected. My question is will this have any effect on how the truck will run?
I ask because of a warm start issue i have had since purchasing the truck. She starts up fine from cold, but after shutting it off after 10 minutes it has a hard time starting back up. Can this have anything to do with my warm start issue?
-Smith_f150
The po of my truck installed an aftermarket temp gauge that runs directly to the coolant temp sensor. The temp sensor is therefor not giving any information to the truck other than to this temp gauge. I can see that the old temp sensor plug is not connected. My question is will this have any effect on how the truck will run?
I ask because of a warm start issue i have had since purchasing the truck. She starts up fine from cold, but after shutting it off after 10 minutes it has a hard time starting back up. Can this have anything to do with my warm start issue?
-Smith_f150
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 275
Likes: 1
From: Lexington Park, MD
Hi, welcome to the site!
I used to have a setup like that. I had pulled the oem temp sender and installed an aftermarket sender and gauge. I then just let the old plug hang out.
Your'e correct that it doesn't effect the truck's operation. All that spot does is send a signal to a gauge. The OEM setup is the same.
There is another temp sender though, mounted just above the thermostat housing, that sends it's signal to the computer. Very important sensor. Here is a link to some info about this one from a VERY good site
Fuel Injection Technical Library » Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT)
I'm not saying the ECT is the problem. It may be something else like an ignition module. What I would do is pull the codes from the computer and see what you get. This web page gives some good procedure:
Fuel Injection Technical Library » How To Run a Self-Test
If counting sweeps and beeps and lights is tough for you (like it is me, I hate it) try to get one these readers. They count for you and display the code:
Innova 3145 Ford Digital Code Reader
Hope this helps and post back with your codes! Tons of guys on here who know a great deal about what usually causes certain codes. Posting codes nearly always gets you an answer back!
Chris
I used to have a setup like that. I had pulled the oem temp sender and installed an aftermarket sender and gauge. I then just let the old plug hang out.
Your'e correct that it doesn't effect the truck's operation. All that spot does is send a signal to a gauge. The OEM setup is the same.
There is another temp sender though, mounted just above the thermostat housing, that sends it's signal to the computer. Very important sensor. Here is a link to some info about this one from a VERY good site
Fuel Injection Technical Library » Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT)
I'm not saying the ECT is the problem. It may be something else like an ignition module. What I would do is pull the codes from the computer and see what you get. This web page gives some good procedure:
Fuel Injection Technical Library » How To Run a Self-Test
If counting sweeps and beeps and lights is tough for you (like it is me, I hate it) try to get one these readers. They count for you and display the code:
Innova 3145 Ford Digital Code Reader
Hope this helps and post back with your codes! Tons of guys on here who know a great deal about what usually causes certain codes. Posting codes nearly always gets you an answer back!
Chris
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Montreal QC
Thanks for the help!
The truck has been sitting for about six months because I'm busy with school and dont always have time to work on it. That being said, at the end of the summer i did pull some codes (or at least i tried, i do plan on ordering a reader) and i believe the code that showed up was 118. I checked my haynes manual and it said:
118-ECT sensor circuit open
118-ECt sensor circuit below max voltage or reads 40.
I checked in the back of the book for more information on the ECT but there are no tests for it. Is there any test i can perform or am i better off spending 30$ and buying a new one. If so does anyone know a good site to order from? (Canada)
-Smith_f150
The truck has been sitting for about six months because I'm busy with school and dont always have time to work on it. That being said, at the end of the summer i did pull some codes (or at least i tried, i do plan on ordering a reader) and i believe the code that showed up was 118. I checked my haynes manual and it said:
118-ECT sensor circuit open
118-ECt sensor circuit below max voltage or reads 40.
I checked in the back of the book for more information on the ECT but there are no tests for it. Is there any test i can perform or am i better off spending 30$ and buying a new one. If so does anyone know a good site to order from? (Canada)
-Smith_f150
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 43
From: New York
Hook the ECT back up as a first priority. Then figure out how you can hook up the gauge at your leisure.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Montreal QC
If this ^^^ is indeed correct - and the error codes you've supplied seem to indicate that it is - this is a very bad idea. The PCM needs an ECT input to function correctly. A temp gauge is optional. ECT input, not so much for proper engine function.
Hook the ECT back up as a first priority. Then figure out how you can hook up the gauge at your leisure.
Hook the ECT back up as a first priority. Then figure out how you can hook up the gauge at your leisure.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Both sensors are near the distributor on the 5.0, the ECT is mounted in top of the thermostat housing and the gauge sensor is mounted in front of #5 fuel injector. It's OK to unplug the gauge sensor but not the ECT, but also note its common to get a false ECT code if the engine is not warmed up before doing the test.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Montreal QC
Both sensors are near the distributor on the 5.0, the ECT is mounted in top of the thermostat housing and the gauge sensor is mounted in front of #5 fuel injector. It's OK to unplug the gauge sensor but not the ECT, but also note its common to get a false ECT code if the engine is not warmed up before doing the test.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Montreal QC
So i really let the truck warm up this morning before pulling codes, im sure it was at operating temp. 118 is what showed up.
After it warmed up i tried to start it again and as usual it did not catch.
Has anyone dealt with this problem/code before? Or does anyone have any advice?
After it warmed up i tried to start it again and as usual it did not catch.
Has anyone dealt with this problem/code before? Or does anyone have any advice?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,789
Likes: 1,753
From: Kentucky
Use a meter to verify the signal output of the ECT: Fuel Injection Technical Library » Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT)
If the signal is good at the stated temperature vs. voltage output (or resistance) then you may have a wiring problem preventing the signal from making it to the PCM (computer). A faulty ECT could very well cause your warm start issue.
If the signal is good at the stated temperature vs. voltage output (or resistance) then you may have a wiring problem preventing the signal from making it to the PCM (computer). A faulty ECT could very well cause your warm start issue.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MONAVIERONJON
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Aug 21, 2018 01:18 PM